The first step is in this method is the INTRODUCTION: " This is what I am going to talk about today, and this is why the text and the topic are important". The second step is the presentation of the sermon argument and application. The third step is a reiteration of the message and a reinforcement of the sermon outcome you are hoping to achieve. Following are some additional options but keep in mind that no matter what approach you take, a good solid first sentence is in order:
1) Begin with a question or observation drawn from the biblical text that offers an angle of vision from which the passage will be considered. ie" I wonder what went wrong through Noah's mind when God told him to build that ark?
2) Begin with stating a problem of national, congregational or personal that needs to be solved, from gesting how the text can offer guidance or even a solution to that problem. ie: 85 ytation taken ears after women received the right to vote in America, they are still denied the right to preach the Gospel in many of this county"s pulpits...
3) Begin with a quoatation taken from your readings or comments you have heard from others , or from tv or the newspapers. ie: " In explaining his conduct with Monica Lewinsky, Bill Clinton wrote these words in his autobiography: " I did it because I could".
4) Begin with a comment that fixes the occasion at which the people have gathered: Funeral, church anniversary, ordination when the occasion is clear to the people, they can all focus on that common event or experience. ie: Today is worldwide communion Sunday, and all around the world our brothers and sisters in christ are joining us in rememberance of our Lord's suffering, death and resurrection.
Argument: The argument constitutes the body of the sermon several types are rooted in the thetoric of ancient greece and rome and have been adapted for use in debates as well as in political disclosure. Preachers should be aware of them because each of them can easily be used in the crafting (putting together) of the sermon.
A priori is an argument that works from cause to effect. This argument states that as a result of a certain act or fact a certain outcome or consequence can be expected . ie : Consider Romans 10:9 or Romans 6:23 or Judges21:25 the key to this preaching device is to point out the consequences , both positive and negative , for virtually every action we take in life..
A Posteriori: is an argument that works from effect or outcome backward to the cause. It asks why things are the way they are. Arguments that are a part of the raging debate about the origins of the universe are a posteriori argument . ie: consider Romans10:13-17, The effect, or finished product is stated first" Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." The text then works backward to explore what causes people to be saved.
Sometimes the shape of the biblical text may determine the shape of a ser,ons argument... In other words, the movements, within the scripture text might be used to determine the points to be made in the sermon: Many times all one needs to do is preach the sermon that is built into the text.
